When is National Sarcoidosis Day?
National Sarcoidosis Day is April 30th.
What is National Sarcoidosis Day?
Our immune systems work hard. We run into 60,000 different kinds of germs each day, and most of them don’t even phase us. But an immune system on overdrive can create problems, like sarcoidosis. National Sarcoidosis Day raises awareness about this poorly understood condition.
It can show up on any part of the body, but the lungs are most common. Doctors think sarcoidosis might form when the immune system overreacts to an unknown substance, creating clusters of inflamed cells. Unchecked inflammation can result in permanent scarring called fibrosis.
This immune system freak-out usually goes away on its own. Sometimes, though, it lasts for years and causes organ damage. Eye pain and blurred vision might indicate sarcoidosis in the eyes. Sometimes it produces rashes and sores on the skin. A persistent cough, wheezing, or chest pain might be sarcoidosis in the lungs or heart.
Doctors don’t know much about sarcoidosis. As medical science learns more though, treatment will improve. National Sarcoidosis Day promotes further research into sarcoidosis to find the cause and its cure
Facts about National Sarcoidosis Day!
Sarcoidosis is not contagious.
Almost every organ is susceptible to sarcoidosis, even muscles, bones, the salivary glands, and the lymph nodes.
Advanced sarcoidosis can be debilitating, or even life-threatening. About 5-10% of patients diagnosed with sarcoidosis have the advanced form.
How to celebrate National Sarcoidosis Day:
Educate yourself. Research the symptoms of sarcoidosis. If you recognize a few indicators you’ve been ignoring for a while, talk to your doctor about it.
Donate to organizations that conduct sarcoidosis research.
What’s the hashtag for National Sarcoidosis Day?
Spread the word on social media with #NationalSarcoidosisDay.